A Supportive Resource and Compassionate Voice for Lives Touched by Mental Illness and Suicide.

Childhood and Adolescents

It is easy for parents to identify children’s physical needs such as
good food, safe housing, and plenty of sleep and exercise. Children’s
mental and emotional needs may not be as obvious, but they are just as
important. Good mental health allows children to develop socially, and
intellectually, build self-esteem, learn new skills, and develop a
positive mental outlook.

Children’s mental health problems are real, common, and treatable.
Although one in five children has a diagnosable mental health problem,
nearly two-thirds of them get little or no help. Untreated mental health
problems can disrupt children’s functioning at home, school, and in the
community. Without treatment, children with mental health issues are at
increased risk of school failure, contact with the criminal justice
system, dependence on social services, and even suicide.

Parents and family members are usually the first to notice if a child
has problems with emotions or behavior. Your observations, along with
those of teachers and other caregivers, can help determine whether you
need to seek help for your child.

The following signs may indicate the need for professional help:

Decline in school performance

Poor grades despite strong efforts

Constant worry or anxiety

Repeated refusal to go to school or to take part in normal
activities

Hyperactivity or fidgeting

Persistent nightmares

Persistent disobedience or aggression

Frequent temper tantrums

Depression, sadness, or irritability

Early identification, diagnosis and treatment can help children reach
their full potential. If you suspect a problem or have questions, talk
with your child’s pediatrician or contact a mental health professional.

Signs of good mental health in children include:

Has friends and gets along with other children

Can concentrate and focus attention

Has relatively stable eating and sleeping patterns

Shows reasonable interest and progress in school

Satisfied at least some of the time with most aspects of life
such as family, friends, school, physical appearance

Does not become anxious or angry over minor inconveniences or
setbacks

The Kim Foundation is an education and resource organization. We do not provide direct services and are not able to respond immediately to requests for information.

If you are in crisis and need immediate help, please call 1-800-273-TALK (8255) The content contained in this website is for informational purposes only and is compiled and received from various sources. The Kim Foundation does not endorse the resources provided and does not accept liability or responsibility for incorrect information provided.